Q.You’ve just returned from Bhopal after a schedule of Satyagraha. What was the challenge posed by Prakash Jha this time?

It’s undoubtedly a difficult role. There rarely comes a film, which has a balance of fine sensibilities, good performances and commercial cinema. Satyagraha is one such film and I’m excited about it.

Q.So does this prove that there’s nothing wrong between you and Prakash Jha?

There was never anything wrong between us. It’s only because I didn’t do one of his films that people began speculating. I didn’t like the role he offered me in Aarakshan and so I told him, ‘You go ahead with this film. We’ll work again on some other movie’.

Q.Is the buzz that things have turned sour between you and Rohit Shetty also a rumour?

What’s gone sour between us? He always wanted to do Chennai Express. I was the first person with whom he had discussed this film. For the last four months he’s also been working on Singham 2. We’ll begin the shoot soon.

Q.What memories do you have of the original Himmatwala?

I’d often visit the set of Himmatwala because my dad (Veeru Devgan) was the action director.

Q.After Kajal Agarwal, you worked with Tamannaah in Himmatwala. What makes actresses from the South so much in demand?

It’s not that directors are looking at them now. Often, a new face is required for a character. The girls who have worked down South are fresh faces for Hindi films. They have experience and are professional. Tamannaah is a big star in the South and that counts.

Q.How important is the box-office for you?

Business has always been the most important thing. Even when you run a magazine, your biggest concern is how many copies you sell in a month, right? You make a film for people to like it. And that will happen when you make good films. And when the film is good, it’ll definitely fetch money. So ultimately, it’s the same thing. Whether you make a film for money, praise or satisfaction, basically you are making it for the audience.

Q.Often filmmakers compromise on quality to make their films commercially successful…

No, to win the audience’s favour, it’s important for the film to be good. It’s not that you compromise to get the audience’s favour; rather, you have to work hard for that and improve on your entertainment quality.

Q.You’ve recently signed a 400-crore deal with Star TV. How far will it push brand Ajay Devgn?

Only the media can decide that. I’ve just signed a good deal, which is beneficial to us, the channel and also the producers. How much jump the brand achieves is for you to decide.

Personally, we have no problem, no tension, no issues and nothing to do with each other. When we meet, which is rare, we are cordial. We are colleagues and we equally care about everyone in the industry.

Q.Do you feel that the industry has pampered the three Khans (Shah Rukh, Aamir and Salman Khan)?

No, absolutely not. (Laughs) I have no problems with them being pampered.

Q.You and Yash Raj Films were tangled in a legal battle (Devgn's complaint to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) was that YRF, the makers of Jab Tak Hai Jaan (JTHJ), allegedly abused its position to deny enough single screens for his Son Of Sardaar).

Don’t say ‘was’, the case is still on…

Q.So neither of you is ready to back out?

(Sighs) We can’t back out now. As for me, I don’t even want to turn back because I believe I’m fighting against a wrong practice. If we win the case, it will be good for the industry. And the authority with which we have lodged the case, the CCI, doesn’t allow a case to be withdrawn.

Q.Did the fight happen at a wrong time because Yash Chopra had just passed away and the industry’s sympathies were with YRF?

There was no sympathy as such and our intention was not to hurt anyone. I was just demanding what was fair. As for Yashji, I respect him as much as anyone else does. He has given a lot to the industry. My fight was not against Yashji. It’s a fight between right and wrong. You can call it bad timing but the case has already been filed. And as I said, it cannot be withdrawn. And even if that had been possible, I wouldn’t have done it because I’m fighting against the system.

Q.But YRF reacted by not inviting Kajol for the premiere of JTHJ despite their long association with her…

It was the right reaction. I appreciate straightforward people. I don’t like those who feel differently and behave differently. I like those who are the same on your face and behind your back. At least, it’s clear whether you are on this side or that side of the line.

Q.Your daughter Nysa is your true critic. Which of your performances has she liked?

She likes all my comedies. She liked the Taki o taki song in Himmatwala. For the first time she said that I’d danced well.

Q.Of late, you’ve been doing just two films at a time…

These days it’s difficult to do more than two films a year because promotions take much time. Earlier, you would do a film and move on but now you also have to promote it. Now it’s a bigger ball game. Soon I’ll be starting Prabhudheva’s film and then Singham 2.

Q.You’ve also diversified into business…

We have started a solar-power project in Gujarat. Another new project is coming up in Rajasthan. I’m also planning to produce films.

Q.You and Kajol have been married for 14 years. What’s that one thing that hasn’t changed about her?

She is honest and frank as ever. If she believes something is wrong, she says it right on your face. She doesn’t care how you will take it.

Q.What’s the secret of your successful marriage?

Both of us work hard at it. We have to understand each other and move accordingly. We also have to make compromises and need to keep each other’s likes and dislikes in mind. You have to find a middle path and that can only happen when you both agree to do it.

Q.Do you remember meeting Kajol for the first time?

(Thinks) Yes, a bit. It was a casual meeting with just a hello-hi on the set of some film.

Q.Have the two of you come closer after the birth of Nysa and Yug?

Well, you definitely do come closer when you have kids. You mature and the bond deepens. But it also increases your troubles because you are unable to spend enough time with each other. However you don’t grudge that because you are spending that time with your kids.

Q.Where does Kajol’s strength lie?

In her confidence and talent.

Q.What has she added to your personality?

She has made me a responsible person. Fifteen years ago, I was different — absolutely violent; I’d behave in any manner anywhere. Now, that has changed.

Q.How easy is it for you to please an upset Kajol?

Not easy at all! But we have an understanding between us that if we realise that the mistake is ours then we go ahead and accept it. We don’t add to the problem, we get done with it.

Q.You’re known to be a good cook, what do you prepare for her?

I don’t cook especially for her; I cook for the entire family, especially for my daughter. She enjoys my cooking.